Leeds United could potentially be gearing up for a Premier League campaign this summer.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds United go into the final weeks of the season in an unfamiliar position in the Championship as they actually have something to play for after years of disappointing mid-table finishes.
Should the Whites manage to secure promotion, it could certainly be argued that Garry Monk’s squad will need significant investment in preparation for its return to the top flight.
With that in mind, here is a player from every single Premier League club that, if Leeds go up, they should consider targeting, either on loan or permanently…
Arsenal: Calum Chambers
Calum Chambers has been very impressive out on loan with Middlesbrough this season, but the pressure is mounting on the Arsenal hierarchy to make some marquee signings this summer, so perhaps he may be fairly low down the pecking order once again. If that is the case, a loan bid is surely a must to strengthen the depth in defence.
Bournemouth: Max Gradel
Leeds fans have dreamt of seeing Max Gradel back in a Whites shirt ever since he left in 2011. He has struggled to make an impact for the Cherries, and would surely jump at the chance to come back to Elland Road if Leeds were promoted. An initial loan deal may be smart – it certainly worked the first time round.
Bournemouth’s Max Gradel in action with West Brom’s Craig Dawson
Burnley: James Tarkowski
The Clarets have a fairly thin squad, so it is difficult to pick out a player who they would be willing to let go of without receiving a sensational offer. James Tarkowski is perhaps the most likely to be available, having struggled to make an impact since moving from Brentford. He has not started a league game this season, but was brilliant for the Bees and could strengthen the defensive options.
Chelsea: Kenedy
Having spent some of the season on loan at Watford, it may not be out of the question to suggest that Kenedy may be allowed to leave temporarily next season also. Leeds could do with some additional depth on the wings.
Crystal Palace: Joe Ledley
Joe Ledley’s contract expires this summer, according to transfermarkt, so he could be a smart addition on a free transfer, especially given the versatility he would bring to the midfield.
Everton: Luke Garbutt
Luke Garbutt has struggled for game-time since leaving Leeds for Everton, but has shown the occasional glimpses of quality. With Charlie Taylor’s future looking currently to be elsewhere, he may be a good signing to fill the void along with Gaetano Berardi.
Hull City: Andrea Ranocchia
If Andrea Ranocchia is available for a loan move again this summer, then Leeds could do a lot worse than bring him to Elland Road from Inter Milan. The centre-back area is somewhere which needs strengthening this summer.
Leicester City: Tom Lawrence
Tom Lawrence has been sensational in the Championship with Ipswich Town this season, so any deal that Leeds could pull off for him would be brilliant.
Aston Villa’s Albert Adomah (L) in action with Barnsley’s Ryan Kent
Liverpool: Ryan Kent
The Sun reported recently that Leeds wanted Ryan Kent, and it is not difficult to see why given how bright he has looked on loan at Barnsley. A Premier League loan move may be the next step if he signs a new deal at Anfield.
Manchester City: Aaron Mooy
Aaron Mooy has looked a class apart from the majority of players in the Championship during his loan spell at Huddersfield. If the Terriers do not go up and Leeds do, he could be an excellent addition in the middle of the park.
Manchester United: Andreas Pereira
A loan deal between Leeds and Manchester United may seem unlikely but Jose Mourinho may perhaps want to see the talented Andreas Pereira in the Premier League before handing him more chances. He has looked impressive in La Liga with Granada this term.
Middlesbrough: Alvaro Negredo
Alvaro Negredo has been Middlesbrough’s brightest performer going forward by a long way this season, scoring six in the top flight. If Valencia are willing to loan him out again next season, he may be the ideal rival for Chris Wood.
Southampton: Jay Rodriguez
According to the Birmingham Mail, Jay Rodriguez is growing tired of life at Southampton having fallen down the pecking order. It would be difficult to get a deal done, but it would be a major statement if Leeds could convince the England international to Elland Road.
Stoke City: Bojan
With Bojan currently on loan at Mainz, it would not be a surprise if he is allowed to leave the Potters this summer. The idea of teaming Pablo Hernandez with his countryman is arguably mouthwatering.
Stoke City’s Bojan Krkic celebrates scoring their first goal
Sunderland: Jermain Defoe
If Sunderland go down, Jermain Defoe will surely be on his way as he clearly has plenty to offer in the Premier League. Leeds would facing a huge uphill battle trying to sign him you would imagine, given that he could probably improve any side in the top flight, but showing some ambition in the market occasionally pays off handsomely.
Swansea City: Kyle Bartley
Getting Kyle Bartley to sign permanently should arguably be a priority for Garry Monk this summer. The centre-back has been a tremendous leader and his partnership with Pontus Jansson has been exceptional for most of the campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Tottenham’s relatively small squad means that a youngster would probably have to be targeted if Leeds hoped to sign a player from Spurs. Cameron Carter-Vickers is a talented defender who may need a loan move to boost his chances of making an impact for his parent club in the near future.
Watford: Jerome Sinclair
Jerome Sinclair is currently on loan at Championship club Birmingham City, but it may not be out of the question to suggest that he could make an impact providing cover for Chris Wood.
West Brom: Sam Field
Sam Field has been linked with Leeds in the past (via The Sun), so it may make sense for the Whites to pursue a loan deal in the summer as Monk probably already knows how the youngster would fit into his system.
West Ham: Robert Snodgrass
Re-signing Robert Snodgrass would certainly be ambitious, but it is fair to say that the Scotland international has not made the best start to life at the London Stadium so perhaps the Hammers would be willing to cut their losses. The opportunity to work on some unfinished business may perhaps appeal to the former Leeds skipper.
West Ham United’s Robert Snodgrass
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